§ Mr. Grovesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused as a result of the L. & N.E. and L.M.S. railways refusing the general issue of tickets from London to Southend-on-Sea; and whether he will communicate with the companies and arrange that when people produce their identity cards, showing they reside in that district, tickets shall be issued to them.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerOwing to very heavy congestion on passenger trains the L.M.S. Company found it necessary to limit the number of ordinary tickets issued for each train from London to the Southend district, but not in the reverse direction. This limitation provided accommodation on trains for season and workmen's ticket holders and for those travelling on return halves of ordinary tickets. In addition station masters have discretion in special cases to allow passengers to travel although the full quota of tickets for the train has been issued. At present passenger travel between London and Southend is under daily observation with the object of withdrawing the restriction immediately conditions justify this course. These arrangements safeguard the great bulk of residents in the Southend district, and I regret that it would be impracticable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.